So far, six Medals of Honor have been awarded for exceptional combat valor in Iraq & Afghanistan. Sadly, all were presented to family members of these fallen American heroes. The first recipient, you'll recall was 3ID Sergeant First Class, Paul Ray Smith, for his soldier-saving heroics, at the cost of his life, during the Division's 2003 "Thunder Run" to Baghdad.
Now word of the first Medal of Honor from those conflicts to be awarded, this time thankfully, to a living recipient. In the fall of 2007, while on the move in Afghanistan, now-Staff Sergeant, Salvatore Giunta, and his platoon were ambushed by heavily-armed enemy fighters. Two soldiers were wounded immediately. While directing covering fire, the Sergeant moved into the open to aid the wounded, while the firefight continued all around him. The enemy, at times, only about 15-yards away, was so close that circling U.S. aircraft couldn't intervene for fear of hitting our own. Then, although wounded himself, seeing two insurgents trying to drag-off the Sergeant's badly-wounded best friend, he, again, sprinted through gunfire to his rescue, dispatching the two enemy, then pulling his buddy back to cover and first-aid. Sadly, despite his heroic effort, his friend would not recover. Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta will be presented his distinctive medal and light-blue ribbon in Washington later this year.
A solemn salute, then, to America's warriors, who have given their all, and continue to do so, for the security of our nation and the freedom of others.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WTOC, a Raycom Media Station.
